The American Bar Association (ABA) filed a lawsuit against the White House on Monday, challenging President Donald Trump’s use of executive orders, adding to Trump’s growing list of legal battles that allegedly pressure and punish law firms. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, seeks to stop what the ABA describes as governmental coercion forcing lawyers and law firms to abandon certain clients, causes, and policy positions that the president opposes.
According to Politico, the legal battle comes after Trump issued several executive orders and memos targeting major law firms, including Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. These orders attempted to freeze their federal caseload and restrict lawyers’ access to government buildings. Some prominent firms have already made agreements with the White House, committing to provide pro bono legal work for causes favored by the president and eliminate their internal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The ABA’s complaint states that the executive orders pursued by the Trump administration have cast a “blizzard-like chill” across the legal industry. The organization argues that many law firms have withdrawn from providing thousands of hours of pro bono work for various causes, including those championed by the ABA, due to the administration’s disapproval.
Law firms face mounting pressure as the White House demands compliance
Two federal judges previously struck down similar orders in May that targeted law firms Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block, ruling that these executive actions violated the Constitution, similar to how a federal judge recently rejected Trump’s revenge fantasy against law firms. Despite these judicial setbacks, the White House has continued its pressure campaign on law firms.
The ABA’s lawsuit alleges that Trump’s “law firm intimidation policy” violates the First Amendment by threatening retaliation against firms engaging in speech the government disfavors. Additionally, the organization claims the actions violate the Constitution’s separation of powers principle.
— LitCzar
COMMUNIST BAR ASSOCIATION: 'American' Bar Association Sues Trump Admin Over Alleged Campaign to Intimidate Law Firms https://t.co/MpmXyB3B6v pic.twitter.com/lrU4ocHQfl
(@LitCzar) June 17, 2025
ABA President William R. Bay emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that this is the time to “stand up, speak out and seek relief from our courts.” The organization warns that groups dependent on pro bono work from DC law firms face “serious and sometimes existential crises” due to firms’ reactions to the president’s policy.
The relationship between the Trump administration and the ABA has been particularly strained since Trump’s return to office in January. The organization publicly criticized Trump’s attacks on law firms and judges in March through an open letter. The tension escalated further when Attorney General Pam Bondi barred the ABA from vetting federal judicial nominees’ records in May.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields dismissed the lawsuit as “clearly frivolous,” asserting that the president maintains discretion over government contracts and security clearances. Fields stated that these executive functions cannot be dictated by the ABA, private organizations, or the courts, and expressed confidence in an ultimate victory for the administration.
